Commune of the Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez, Courpière is located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, in the department of Puy-de-Dôme. An important city in the Dore Valley with its 4,500 inhabitants, it takes place fifty kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand, not far from the town of Thiers.
Formerly a medieval city, Courpière was populated in prehistory, then in the Gallo-Roman period, becoming an important center of production of ceramic sigille. Touched by the Norman invasions in the 10th century, the municipality soon provided itself with defensive ramparts of which there are some traces today.
Once a large industrial city of the 19th century, the city still boasts an architectural and historical heritage testifying to the richness of Courpière over the centuries. Visitors to the area will also be seduced by its landscapes and its proximity to unspoiled lands.
The tower of the Moor, also called the manor of Bellime, takes place at the entrance of the city. Originally a fortress dedicated to the defense of Courpière, it was completely rebuilt in the 15th century, revealing its current square aspect, as well as its elegant staircase tower. The whole has been registered with the Historic Monuments.
Classified as Historical Monuments, the church of Saint Martin dates from the twelfth century. Formerly a priory church, it reveals in its interior very beautiful Gothic chapels, an Entombment of the fifteenth century, or statues dating from the eighteenth century.
Do not miss the church of Courteserre, listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments. Built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, it was for a long time linked to a commandery of the Order of Malta whose castle has now disappeared. Also listed in Historical Monuments, the former Benedictine priory erected in the Middle Ages can also be admired.
Although the castle of the Barge has retained its medieval foundations, it was largely renovated in the 18th century. The building is especially appreciated for its numerous terraces which lead to a chapel with very beautiful stained glass windows of the sixteenth century. A park with complex gardens and impressive fountains adds to this architectural ensemble.
Walking through the town, you can admire several old half-timbered houses, as well as small picturesque alleys, vestiges of the medieval center of Courpière. To see, in particular, the house Aymard, a former commercial establishment of the fourteenth century which unveils very beautiful personages in the dormer windows.
The chapel of Notre-Dame du Pont, rebuilt in the 18th century, features a copper repousse dish classified as Historic Monuments as an object.
The green spaces are numerous in Courpière, starting with the Las Donnas park dominated by the remains of the ancient ramparts of the city. Several ponds are also present and it is possible to do some hiking in the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park. The city has been ranked Green Station for the quality of its environment.
The market is held every Tuesday morning. A Christmas market is also offered at the end of the year.
Every third Sunday of each month, the city hosts a gathering of vintage cars.
An old vehicle exchange is being offered in April.
In the month of May, place at the feast of the bread oven and its demonstrations.
A festival of nature is also organized in May offering a market of producers, screenings, conferences or activities around the environment.
La Rosière is a festival proposed for several decades in June. On the program of the event, crowning of the rose, a parade of floats, a fireworks or a fair.
Chevalmania, in July, offers visitors hikes, demonstrations of voltiges, equestrian shows or even western demonstrations.
